The Board has granted the Veteran's claim of service connection for squamous cell carcinoma of the neck, finding that it is at least as likely as not related to his in-service exposure to herbicides. The condition was initially denied due to lack of evidence linking it to service, but new medical records have provided a reasonable possibility of substantiating this claim.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the Veteran's squamous cell carcinoma metastasized from an unknown primary site likely related to his respiratory system, and given his exposure to herbicides during service, granted service connection on a secondary basis.
- Claimed conditions
- squamous cell carcinoma of the neck
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- Gulf War
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- September 11, 2019
- Citation
- 19170432
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 19170432.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's service connection claims for squamous cell carcinoma of the neck and bad teeth with dry mouth as secondary to squamous cell carcinoma of the neck have been denied. The Board found that there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service, including presumed herbicide exposure.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied service connection for larynx cancer and squamous cell carcinoma of the neck, finding no evidence linking these conditions to military service or exposure to herbicide agents.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied service connection for squamous cell carcinoma of the neck, tonsil, lymph nodes, larynx, and tongue as there is no current diagnosis or evidence linking these conditions to service.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate VA opinion regarding service connection for larynx cancer, including squamous cell carcinoma of the neck. The Veteran's claim will be reviewed by a qualified examiner who must provide an updated opinion on whether it is at least as likely as not that the cancer is related to service, specifically herbicide exposure.
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